chopsticks

American  

[chop-stiks] / ˈtʃɒpˌstɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a harmonically and melodically simple waltz for piano played typically with the forefinger of each hand and sometimes having an accompanying part for a second player.

---

chopsticks British  

/ ˈtʃɒpstɪks /

plural noun

1. a pair of thin sticks, of ivory, wood, etc, used as eating utensils by the Chinese, Japanese, and other people of East Asia

---

Etymology

Origin of chopsticks

1890–95; perhaps after chopstick from the way the fingers are held

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chopsticks

After launching the spacecraft, the booster detached and began its descent, returning to the SpaceX launch pad where a pair of "chopsticks" reached out to catch the booster and bring it to a halt.

From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026

It slows its descent and guides itself with pinpoint precision so it can be captured by a clasp called Mechazilla, or "the chopsticks", by engineers who have achieved something that's never been done before.

From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2026

SpaceX may be known for building majestic rockets, firing those giant beasts of marvelous engineering into the skies and catching them with chopsticks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026

Mahan paused, his chopsticks hovering over a custard dumpling.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2025

Crane-man picked up the last morsel of rice with his chopsticks and popped it into his mouth.

From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park